"Troop Beverly Hills" is not a very good movie, but it is somewhat entertaining in its own way. There are some good things to be found in this movie, as well as some bad things.
The good:
-The opening credits sequence, set to "Make It Big" by the Beach Boys. Perhaps the funniest part of this whole movie.
-An interesting premise: a spoiled Beverly Hills housewife (Shelley Long) decides to get involved in the community by becoming the leader of her daughter's Wilderness Girls troop (which includes Emily Schulman of "Small Wonder" and a pre-"Life Goes On" Kellie Martin). Not exactly a high-concept film, but it shows some comic potential.
-A few great lines, such as: "I may be a beginner at some things, but I've got a black belt in shopping!"
-Some truly silly moments (Long doing the "Freddie" is the most notable example).
-Long's performance: not Oscar-caliber, of course, but even when the film is at its lowest points, she puts a lot of effort and enthusiasm into her role.
The bad:
-The film is excruciatingly boring at some points, especially in the sub-plot about Long and her ex-husband (Craig T. Nelson). It really doesn't fit in with the rest of the film.
-It is also very predictable, particularly in the last half-hour. Even in a light comedy like this, you would expect a little bit more originality.
-Pointless cameo appearances by celebrities (including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Pia Zadora). Even the usually funny Cheech Marin is wasted here.
"Troop Beverly Hills" may not be a great (or even good) film, but it is not without some enjoyable moments.
The good:
-The opening credits sequence, set to "Make It Big" by the Beach Boys. Perhaps the funniest part of this whole movie.
-An interesting premise: a spoiled Beverly Hills housewife (Shelley Long) decides to get involved in the community by becoming the leader of her daughter's Wilderness Girls troop (which includes Emily Schulman of "Small Wonder" and a pre-"Life Goes On" Kellie Martin). Not exactly a high-concept film, but it shows some comic potential.
-A few great lines, such as: "I may be a beginner at some things, but I've got a black belt in shopping!"
-Some truly silly moments (Long doing the "Freddie" is the most notable example).
-Long's performance: not Oscar-caliber, of course, but even when the film is at its lowest points, she puts a lot of effort and enthusiasm into her role.
The bad:
-The film is excruciatingly boring at some points, especially in the sub-plot about Long and her ex-husband (Craig T. Nelson). It really doesn't fit in with the rest of the film.
-It is also very predictable, particularly in the last half-hour. Even in a light comedy like this, you would expect a little bit more originality.
-Pointless cameo appearances by celebrities (including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Pia Zadora). Even the usually funny Cheech Marin is wasted here.
"Troop Beverly Hills" may not be a great (or even good) film, but it is not without some enjoyable moments.